St. Francis Academy

The price is set on the lavish summer, June may be had by the poorest comer.

-James Russell Lowell

Dear Parents,

Experts agree: Children who read during the summer gain reading skills, while those who do not often experience learning losses. Struggling readers, in particular, experience a serious loss if they do not practice during the summer months. Try some of these strategies to help your children improve reading over the summer.

• Five to ten books to summer success: Research shows that reading just five to ten books during the summer may keep a struggling reader from regressing. Our Bookworms summer reading list has been specially chosen for your child’s age and ability. If your child is interested in more complex books that’s great.
• Read everyday. Have your child read aloud to you. Reading aloud helps a child to become more fluent – able to read at an appropriate speed, correctly, and with good expression.
• Read aloud to your child no matter their age. Reading aloud helps the struggling reader enjoy the written word and it’s a wonderful way to bond with your child. Reading aloud promotes listening skills and improves focus. Read your children the books you loved as a child, “Little Women” anyone?
• Visit the library and take advantage of the summer reading programs sponsored by your library, McDonald’s Barnes and Nobles, Pizza Hut, Scholastic, etc …
• Discuss the books with your children, make reading fun, organize a family book club. Quiz each other on characters, setting and plot. Act out a scene from the book if your children are budding thespians. They won’t even realize that their comprehension skills are increasing exponentially.

As our school year rapidly comes to a close I’d like to thank you, parents, for all your generosity toward St. Francis Academy. It is an honor to spend our days with your children. To our graduating families, we will miss you. Know that you will always be a member of our Franciscan family. Have a happy and healthy summer.

Pax et Bonum

Deborah Savage